Authorities in Calabar have destroyed a large quantity of expired consumables, cosmetics, beverages, and pharmaceutical products as part of activities marking World Consumer Rights Day.
The enforcement exercise was carried out by the Cross River Consumer Protection Agency, with Director General Charles Ushie leading the operation on Wednesday.
Ushie said the move aligns with this year’s theme, “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” and reflects the agency’s commitment to protecting residents from harmful and substandard goods.
He stressed that every citizen is a consumer and deserves access to safe, quality products. According to him, the agency has strengthened its efforts in public awareness, complaint resolution, and market surveillance to ensure businesses meet regulatory standards and consumers get value for their money.
Highlighting core consumer rights, Ushie listed the right to safety, information, choice, to be heard, and to seek redress as essential pillars for building trust in the marketplace and sustaining economic growth.
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He commended the Cross River State Government for its continued support and urged residents to remain vigilant when making purchases. He also called on business owners to uphold ethical standards, noting that consumer protection requires joint responsibility among government, businesses, and the public.
Market stakeholders, including members of the Etim Edem United Traders Association and the Nigeria Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers, described the exercise as timely.
They emphasised that continuous monitoring and strict enforcement are necessary to curb the circulation of fake and expired products. The groups also noted that regulatory bodies such as NAFDAC, NDLEA, and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria have established penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment, for offenders.
The stakeholders warned that expired and counterfeit products pose serious health risks and called for sustained collaboration to protect consumers across the state.
